there are some films you watch once, feel good and nice, then forget as years pass on. on the other - hand there are some films which though you had watched them in your growing years and liked them, but whenever you catch up with them, it feels like you are watching them the very first time. And needless to say, they bring a smile on your face. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) is a film which I categorize in the latter. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (abbreviated as JJWS) is a film which even if I try, I cannot fit into one genre. It is a love story, it is a musical comedy, it is a thriller (no not the thriller in the murder mysteries sense), it has a heady cocktail of emotion and drama and list goes on. Starring Aamir Khan, Ayesha Jhulka, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Mamik, Deepak Tijori, Pooja Bedi and Asrani in pivotal roles JJWS is set in small hilly town of Dehradun. In fact, the film opens with an overview of what is to come by. Schools are separated and segregated by Class and Status of people. Model School, Rajput School, Lawrence, Xaviers and Queens. Model School has the Tea Vendor's, Motor Mechanic's kids as students. Rajput, Lawrence and Queens are having kids from higher status and class of people. But among all these differences and inequalities one thing or one common thread which bonds all these schools and their students alike is the Annual Sports Meet. The stakes are high for single biggest sporting event in the hilly town. The Pyjamachaps (Model School Boys as christened by Rajput Boys) have a lot to prove, the Rajput's have to stamp their authority and in turn woo the Queens Girls. Lawrence and Xaviers too are not behind. Hopes and Dreams are riding high on the Cycle Race. Ratan Lal Sharma (played by Mamick) gets defeated by Rajput Boys' Shekhar Malhotra (played brilliantly by Deepak Tijori) in the Cyccle Race as his cycle is inferior quality and make than Shekhar's Italian one. Ramlal Sharma (assayed by Kulbhushan Kharbanda) vows to buy an imported bicycle for next year's Cycle Race by saving money. Inflated by the win, Shekhar Malhotra roams around the town with his gang of friends (Sooraj Thapar only I can reminisce) on Bikes, a Car, woos and flirts Queens College girls. He bullies and ridicules the Model School Boys. In comes Sanjay Lal Sharma (nickname Sanju) a happy go lucky sort of guy who is good for nothing, roams around with his sidekicks (Ghode -- played by Aditya Lakhia and Deven Bhojani ), dreams about Queens' College Girls, bunks classes, and is a laggard in studies as well as sports. Sanjay Lal Sharma (played by Aamir Khan) and Shekhar Malhotra's paths cross when they fall and try to woo the Queens College hottie and bombshell -- Devika (marvellously played by Pooja Bedi). Devika learns about Shekhar's flirtatious nature and arrogance, therefore tries to settle scores with him along with Sanjay Lal Sharma's help. Meanwhile, Anjali (played superbly by Ayesha Jhulka) has a soft corner for Sanjay. She too studies in Model School. She's in for a rude awakening when she assumes that Shekhar will confess his love for her. In turn, she finds Shekhar and Devika together. She takes this heartbreak in her stride pretty well. having said that, Devika dumps Sanjay and gets along with Shekhar. Things take another ugly turn, when Ratan gets into a fight with Shekhar and his gang. Ratan suffers severe injuries and his dream of participating and ultimately defeating Shekhar too shatters. However, jolted by these multiple debacles in his life in a short span of time Sanjay takes up the responsibilities of his house-hold. Nursing and attending his injured elder brother, consoling his father (Ramlal Sharma), we see a dramatic transformation in Sanjay's character. Ramlal Sharma too is very disappointed, that his elder son will not be able to make to the Annual Cycling Race. Disillusioned too because he has purchased the imported Italian Bicycle from his yearly savings. Sanjay too gets support from Anjali, who stands by him like a rock and also helps him train for the Annual Cycle Race. Another, powerful and important scene in the film, is the realization of the changes happening in Sanjay from his elder brother Ratan. He even relinquishes his position as a competitor and participant in the Annual Cycle Race and asks Sanjay to step into his shoes. the Final Cycle Race is really an edge of the seat matter. In a nail biting finish, Sanjay topples and pips Shekhar and emerges victorious. Lot of takeaways from JJWS. Nothing is impossible, Hard Work and Perseverance are keys to success and victory. In order to prove oneself in front of the world --- actions speak louder than words. Friends are forever, the self realization and self introspection is sufficient to discover the hidden strengths and talent. Coming First and emerging Victorious is one thing, but maintain that consistently is altogether a different ballgame. Underdog tag helps in the respect, that an Underdog has nothing to lose. The JJWS story is very simple but is told in a very different manner. The Key ingredients of the story, are aforementioned. Music too is a USP of JJWS. Lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri is top - notch. The Film's signature dialog "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar" you will get to hear twice, one in the beginning and another one at the climax. Even after the end Credits start to roll, you feel it is utmost right "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar".
5 out of 5 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
